Rajendra Singh Baisthakur
Art is something that emerges from within, after basic physical needs are fulfilled. Of the many forms of art, literature is next only to music in popularity. Poetry is the oldest and the best form of literature. Compared to other genres like Prose, Novel, Short Story a lot of thought is compressed in a poem. An idea or feeling is expressed in a beautiful way through suitable diction, images, symbols, references, figures of speech and creative use of language. Ungrammatical expressions also are used by some poets for special effects. But beginners need to be careful in the use of language. They do not have the ‘poetic license’ as seasoned poets do.
Poetry is the quintessential form of literature. It is ennobled with brevity and depth of thought. So much is said in a few words using images and symbols. There is a lot to read in between the lines and behind the lines. Some knowledge of the backdrop of the subject may help in proper understanding of it but modern readers want to see only its applicability in the present.
It is said that one who is not a saint cannot write a classic. Only an integrated personality rooted in Truth can write real poetry. All the rest are only practitioners of verse. Beauty is another ingredient with which poetry is endowed with. A poet stirs emotions like love, sorrow, happiness, devotion in the reader but finally they culminate in beauty. We read a tragedy and feel unhappy at the death of characters but at the same time we also feel happy that we read a good book. That is the beauty I am talking about.
Some believe that poetry should have a social purpose and try to change the world to a better one. I think the final result of all art is to soften the individual’s heart and thereby prevent him from being or becoming selfish which is the root of evil in the world. For this no one need carry a flag of any party. Today some of the well educated people are in the forefront of villainy as art has lost its ground in their lives. Social consciousness will always be in the background of all good writing more so in poetry in the form of eternal human values.
